While platelets are the primary component of PRP, preparations will also contain other cellular components such as white blood cells (WBCs) and peripheral stem cells. These components all play a biological role in the healing process and are provided at concentrated levels in PRP preparation process. Thus, PRP may help optimize the conditions for the healing of bone and soft tissue.
Platelets – Platelets play a critical role in several aspects of the healing process. Activated platelets express adhesion molecules that support clot formation for hemostasis. They also release several antimicrobial peptides that deliver properties for infection control. Most importantly as it relates to healing, platelets also release chemokines and numerous growth factors, including SDF-1α (directs stems cells to the site of injury), PDGF(attracts stem cells and endothelial cells), TGF-β (Growth factor promoting tissue growth) and VEGF(Stimulates blood vessel growth and bone formation), these factors have been shown to orchestrate key biological processes, including angiogenesis, inflammation resolution, and tissue regeneration.